A Construction Set for Enterprising Adults

Paola Petrobelli grew up in Padua, Italy, only 30 miles from Venice and its celebrated glassmakers.

So when this designer abdicated a career in molecular biology for something more artisanal, she said, she was naturally drawn to glass. Today, Ms. Petrobelli turns the supple material into deceptively simple objects, including transparent plates whose colors merge in the stacking.

Last week, Gallery Libby Sellers in London opened a show of her new lamps, little towers of interchangeable pieces. The collection is called 24, after the number of possible shape combinations.

“The final result is quite diverse,” Ms. Petrobelli said. She should know; she is also a former professional motocross racer, on top of her other vocations. On view through June 14. Prices start at about $9,940. Information: 011-44-20-3384-8785 or libbysellers.com.

A version of this article appears in print on May 16, 2013, on Page D3 of the New York edition with the headline: A Construction Set For Enterprising Adults. Order Reprints|Today's Paper|Subscribe